The third annual Sculpture in Central Otago exhibition will be held at Olssen's Garden Vineyard, 306 Felton Road, Bannockburn, Central Otago, over Labour Weekend 2006.

Sculpture in Central Otago offers art enthusiasts the unique opportunity to view and purchase quality New Zealand sculpture in the beautiful surroundings of the majestic Otago landscape.The third annual Sculpture in Central Otago exhibition will be held at Olssen's Garden Vineyard, 306 Felton Road, Bannockburn, Central Otago, over Labour Weekend 2006.

Sculpture in Central Otago offers art enthusiasts the unique opportunity to view and purchase quality New Zealand sculpture in the beautiful surroundings of the majestic Otago landscape.

The Arthouse, one of Christchurch's leading art galleries, in association with Olssen's Garden Vineyard producers of fine award winning wines, have invited 25 New Zealand sculptors to participate in this years exhibition. This event will celebrate both the stunning Central Otago landscape and the talent and diversity of sculptors such as Graham Bennett, Bing Dawe, Morgan Jones, Hannah Kidd, Julie Davidson, Phil Price, Dan Rutherford, Pauline Rhodes, Llew Summers, Johnny Turner and James Wright.

These artists have chosen works in a variety of media to embrace the open spaces, undulating landscapes, woodland areas, and water features that comprise the extensive grounds of the vineyard. The visual and physical connection and interaction the sculptures have with the environment will be an important aspect of this exhibition of over 30 works.

A special opening function to launch the event will be held at 4pm on Saturday 21 October. Tickets for this can be purchased for $30 from the Arthouse, Christchurch, Gallery Thirty Three, 33 Helwick Street, Wanaka and Olssen's Garden Vineyard, Bannockburn.

The event will then be open to the public on Sunday 22 & Monday 23 October, from 10.00am, with a $15 entrance fee also including a catalogue.

The organisers are anticipating high visitor numbers throughout the weekend and building on the resounding success of previous year's exhibitions, Sculpture in Central Otago 2006 promises to be a fun filled event that captures and celebrates the vitality of New Zealand sculptural practice.

For further information please contact:

Peter Gregg at the Arthouse, Christchurch on 027 480 1726, peter@thearthouse.co.nz

Heather McPherson, Olssens Garden Vineyard, 03 445 1716, heather@olssens.co.nz